Growing Up

For some reason as of late my mind seems to be consumed with thoughts of Africa. Not necessarily of memories that I have from visits there, but more just the culture in general. I am absolutely enamoured with the people, the culture and their plight.

When I was a little girl I was up late at night watching TV. I must have been 10 years old or so I'm guessing. A commercial came on asking for people to call and sponsor a child in Africa. I quietly went to the phone downstairs and called in. The phone call forgotten, an envelope appeared from the organization that had the photo and information of the child I had called to sponsor. Of course I had no job and no way of making good on my promise to help feed that child so my parents called and explained to the organization what had happened and I'm assuming sent the sponsorship paperwork back.

This is a memory that I had forgotten about until recently. How funny it is that my compassion for the African people began at such a young age with that one commercial that compelled a young girl to make a call in the middle of the night. Still to this day I can pick out an African accent of someone speaking across the room. I am drawn to those that have been there or are planning to go.

In preparing for both of my trips to Africa a woman that I worked with sent me clothes to take with me to give to the people. I brought back pictures of the people wearing them for her. I just heard through the grapevine today that she is now planning her own trip to Kenya over the holidays to help in two villages there. I wrote to her but refrained from asking the billions of questions that I wanted to and kept it to a simple few. She responded that my trips had inspired her to go. I am flattered but know that it is not about me. I am keenly aware that her life will never be the same. Her whole outlook will be different. Her priorities will need to be reprioritized when she returns. She will be deeply moved and will love even deeper.

There are no words to explain the transformation...nothing that can accurately express the fullness that I felt while there...passion, love, compassion, depth, fullness...neither individually nor collectively do these words do the experience justice.

So now, at 37 - almost 38 years old, I have made a decision. My life is different now. I am an adult. I no longer stay up and watch TV late at night nor do I have a phone downstairs to make a call. Instead, I got on the computer and found a child that I will gladly sponsor for as long as needed. I'd like to introduce you all to Elizabeth. She is 5 and lives in Malawi. She loves to play games and to see saw. She is currently going to school, attends Sunday school and church regularly and has two sisters. I am looking forward to seeing her grow, writing to her and receiving letters back and maybe one day meeting her here on earth. Isn't she adorable?




Thank you, Lord, for placing your love inside of me...for giving me the opportunity to give freely...for providing for our needs so that we can help provide for others...thank you for the passion, love, compassion, depth and fullness of my experiences with Africa...but also for Your love that is unconditional even as I don't deserve it. Thank You for the chance to reach out to young Elizabeth...guide us as to the right things to say and do for her. Protect her and fill her home and the lives of her entire family with Your incomparable love. You are my God, my Father, my Prince and my King. You are my all and I love You.